A majority of the Senate has today approved the Safe New Years Eve Act from GroenLinks-PvdA MP Jesse Klaver and PvdD faction leader Esther Ouwehand. This marks the definitive arrival of a new fireworks tradition in the Netherlands. Fireworks shows will replace private fireworks.
The law will probably not be in effect for the upcoming New Years Eve. Before the law can take effect, State Secretary Aartsen must work out in a General Administrative Measure under what conditions associations can obtain permission for a fireworks show. The state secretary indicated during the debate in the Senate yesterday that this regulation will not be completed this year, and the law will likely only come into effect on July 1, 2026. The New Years Eve of 2026 to 2027 will be the first year in which a national fireworks ban for individuals applies.
Long Lead-up
The fight for a new New Years tradition has a long lead-up. For years, ophthalmologists, police officers, emergency workers, environmental organizations, and others have called for a ban on the use of fireworks by individuals. In 2020, after walking with the police in The Hague on New Years Eve, Jesse Klaver decided to draft an initiative law. Together with PvdD leader Esther Ouwehand, he has worked on this over the past years, and this spring they succeeded in garnering a majority in the House of Representatives behind their proposal. Today in the Senate, the SP also joined that majority.
Klaver: “Five years ago, Esther Ouwehand and I started the Safe New Years Eve Act. Today, the Senate votes in favor of the fireworks ban. An important step to make New Years Eve a celebration for everyone again.”
Jesse Klaver – MP GroenLinks-PvdA